Suitcase Stage
Our newest education program, Suitcase Stage, brings the joy of theatre and imagination directly to Vermont elementary students. Suitcase Stage introduces kids to an exciting art form while sharing stories that build empathy, confidence, and curiosity. Theatre has been shown to strengthen language skills, spark creative problem-solving, and encourage collaboration — tools that support a child’s growth in the classroom and beyond. These traveling productions set up quickly in a cafetorium, library, gym, or theater and are designed to engage K–5 learners. Each performance ends with a fun meet-and-greet with our talented actors.
This year, our touring plays is:
The Imaginators
by Dwayne Hartford
directed by Laura Roald
When siblings Anne and Tim move to a new town, Anne wants to seem older—and wants nothing to do with her little brother. Then the next-door neighbor appears: the fabulous Nina Frances Elizabeth Vanderhelden, master of make-believe. With moving boxes and odds-and-ends from the garage, Nina launches the trio into an epic adventure where they outwit the child-eating Mooklecratz, discover hidden bravery, and learn how much stronger they are together. By the end, Anne, Tim, and Nina remind us that imagination isn’t just play—it’s a powerful tool for facing fears, making friends, and seeing ourselves anew, and it invites kids and adults never to lose their sense of play and creativity. This play includes a brief meet and greet with the actors in costume after the show!
Ideal for children ages 5 to 11. Running time: 45 minutes plus optional 15 minute meet and greet after the play. Themes: friendship, courage, creativity, cooperation.
This year, our touring plays is:
The Imaginators
by Dwayne Hartford
directed by Laura Roald
When siblings Anne and Tim move to a new town, Anne wants to seem older—and wants nothing to do with her little brother. Then the next-door neighbor appears: the fabulous Nina Frances Elizabeth Vanderhelden, master of make-believe. With moving boxes and odds-and-ends from the garage, Nina launches the trio into an epic adventure where they outwit the child-eating Mooklecratz, discover hidden bravery, and learn how much stronger they are together. By the end, Anne, Tim, and Nina remind us that imagination isn’t just play—it’s a powerful tool for facing fears, making friends, and seeing ourselves anew, and it invites kids and adults never to lose their sense of play and creativity. This play includes a brief meet and greet with the actors in costume after the show!
Ideal for children ages 5 to 11. Running time: 45 minutes plus optional 15 minute meet and greet after the play. Themes: friendship, courage, creativity, cooperation.
-
SIGN UP
-
ABOUT SUITCASE STAGE
-
VIDEOS
-
CAST & CREW
-
DONATE
<
>
We are touring The Imaginators to elementary schools across Vermont and we will also be hosting student groups at our theatre in Burlington. All touring performances will take place between March and November 2026. If you would like to learn more or sign your school up for the tour, please contact Education Coordinator [email protected] or fill out our Registration/Inquiry form below.
ABOUT SUITCASE STAGE
Our newest education program, Suitcase Stage, brings the joy of theatre and imagination directly to Vermont elementary students. These traveling productions set up quickly in a cafetorium, library, gym, or theater and are designed to engage K–5 learners. Each performance ends with a fun meet-and-greet with our talented actors.
Suitcase Stage introduces kids to an exciting art form while sharing stories that build empathy, confidence, and curiosity. Theatre has been shown to strengthen language skills, spark creative problem-solving, and encourage collaboration — tools that support a child’s growth in the classroom and beyond.
ABOUT OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Through our three education programs, Vermont Young Playwrights, Public Square Plays, and Suitcase Stage, we serve 3,500 students, grades K-12, across Vermont. Each season our residencies and tours visit schools in Chittenden County and regularly travel to rural communities in Addison, Franklin, Washington, and Rutland Counties, the Northeast Kingdom, and the Upper Valley, with occasional runs as far south as Brattleboro and north to Coventry. Our audiences include elementary students encountering live theatre for the first time, middle and high school students exploring complex historical and civic themes, and teen writers developing original work alongside professional artists. We prioritize schools facing transportation barriers and rural schools with limited access to arts programs and experiences. By traveling to these schools rather than asking schools to travel to us, we make our standards-aligned arts education programs accessible to children and teens who might not otherwise be able to participate.
Our newest education program, Suitcase Stage, brings the joy of theatre and imagination directly to Vermont elementary students. These traveling productions set up quickly in a cafetorium, library, gym, or theater and are designed to engage K–5 learners. Each performance ends with a fun meet-and-greet with our talented actors.
Suitcase Stage introduces kids to an exciting art form while sharing stories that build empathy, confidence, and curiosity. Theatre has been shown to strengthen language skills, spark creative problem-solving, and encourage collaboration — tools that support a child’s growth in the classroom and beyond.
ABOUT OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Through our three education programs, Vermont Young Playwrights, Public Square Plays, and Suitcase Stage, we serve 3,500 students, grades K-12, across Vermont. Each season our residencies and tours visit schools in Chittenden County and regularly travel to rural communities in Addison, Franklin, Washington, and Rutland Counties, the Northeast Kingdom, and the Upper Valley, with occasional runs as far south as Brattleboro and north to Coventry. Our audiences include elementary students encountering live theatre for the first time, middle and high school students exploring complex historical and civic themes, and teen writers developing original work alongside professional artists. We prioritize schools facing transportation barriers and rural schools with limited access to arts programs and experiences. By traveling to these schools rather than asking schools to travel to us, we make our standards-aligned arts education programs accessible to children and teens who might not otherwise be able to participate.
CAST
Brayden Crickenberger as Tim
Catherine Grace as Nina
Molly Kirschner as Anne
PRODUCTION TEAM
Assistant Stage Manager: Brayden Crickenberger
Lighting Designer: Jamien Forrest
Props Master: Lesley Graham
Costume Designer: Julia Guy
Stage Manager: Safiya Jamali
Sound Designer: Sadie Kraus
Brayden Crickenberger as Tim
Catherine Grace as Nina
Molly Kirschner as Anne
PRODUCTION TEAM
Assistant Stage Manager: Brayden Crickenberger
Lighting Designer: Jamien Forrest
Props Master: Lesley Graham
Costume Designer: Julia Guy
Stage Manager: Safiya Jamali
Sound Designer: Sadie Kraus
DONATE TO OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS
A gift to our Arts Education programs underwrites costs like actor fees, travel expenses, and school scholarships. Donations enable Suitcase Stage to ignite the imaginations of elementary school students, Public Square Plays to create a forum for teen discourse, and Vermont Young Playwrights to support the expression of burgeoning young writers. These programs cost around $100,000 each year and school fees only cover half of these costs.
A gift to our Arts Education programs underwrites costs like actor fees, travel expenses, and school scholarships. Donations enable Suitcase Stage to ignite the imaginations of elementary school students, Public Square Plays to create a forum for teen discourse, and Vermont Young Playwrights to support the expression of burgeoning young writers. These programs cost around $100,000 each year and school fees only cover half of these costs.
SPONSOR A SCHOOL
Vermont Stage's new Education Equity Fund is a scholarship fund that will go directly to subsidize the participation fees for Title 1 Schools and rural under-resourced schools that want to participate in our education programs but cannot afford to do so without extra help. Your tax-deductible donation allows us to say yes to these schools!
Vermont Stage's new Education Equity Fund is a scholarship fund that will go directly to subsidize the participation fees for Title 1 Schools and rural under-resourced schools that want to participate in our education programs but cannot afford to do so without extra help. Your tax-deductible donation allows us to say yes to these schools!
Suitcase Stage
Our newest education program, Suitcase Stage, brings the joy of theatre and imagination directly to Vermont elementary students. Suitcase Stage introduces kids to an exciting art form while sharing stories that build empathy, confidence, and curiosity. Theatre has been shown to strengthen language skills, spark creative problem-solving, and encourage collaboration — tools that support a child’s growth in the classroom and beyond. These traveling productions set up quickly in a cafetorium, library, gym, or theater and are designed to engage K–5 learners. Each performance ends with a fun meet-and-greet with our talented actors.
This year, our touring plays is:
The Imaginators
by Dwayne Hartford
directed by Laura Roald
When siblings Anne and Tim move to a new town, Anne wants to seem older—and wants nothing to do with her little brother. Then the next-door neighbor appears: the fabulous Nina Frances Elizabeth Vanderhelden, master of make-believe. With moving boxes and odds-and-ends from the garage, Nina launches the trio into an epic adventure where they outwit the child-eating Mooklecratz, discover hidden bravery, and learn how much stronger they are together. By the end, Anne, Tim, and Nina remind us that imagination isn’t just play—it’s a powerful tool for facing fears, making friends, and seeing ourselves anew, and it invites kids and adults never to lose their sense of play and creativity. This play includes a brief meet and greet with the actors in costume after the show!
Ideal for children ages 5 to 11. Running time: 45 minutes plus optional 15 minute meet and greet after the play. Themes: friendship, courage, creativity, cooperation.
This year, our touring plays is:
The Imaginators
by Dwayne Hartford
directed by Laura Roald
When siblings Anne and Tim move to a new town, Anne wants to seem older—and wants nothing to do with her little brother. Then the next-door neighbor appears: the fabulous Nina Frances Elizabeth Vanderhelden, master of make-believe. With moving boxes and odds-and-ends from the garage, Nina launches the trio into an epic adventure where they outwit the child-eating Mooklecratz, discover hidden bravery, and learn how much stronger they are together. By the end, Anne, Tim, and Nina remind us that imagination isn’t just play—it’s a powerful tool for facing fears, making friends, and seeing ourselves anew, and it invites kids and adults never to lose their sense of play and creativity. This play includes a brief meet and greet with the actors in costume after the show!
Ideal for children ages 5 to 11. Running time: 45 minutes plus optional 15 minute meet and greet after the play. Themes: friendship, courage, creativity, cooperation.
SIGN UP
We are touring The Imaginators to elementary schools across Vermont and we will also be hosting student groups at our theatre in Burlington. All touring performances will take place between March and November 2026. If you would like to learn more or sign your school up for the tour, please contact Education Coordinator [email protected] or fill out our Registration/Inquiry form below.
ABOUT SUITCASE STAGE
ABOUT SUITCASE STAGE
Our newest education program, Suitcase Stage, brings the joy of theatre and imagination directly to Vermont elementary students. These traveling productions set up quickly in a cafetorium, library, gym, or theater and are designed to engage K–5 learners. Each performance ends with a fun meet-and-greet with our talented actors.
Suitcase Stage introduces kids to an exciting art form while sharing stories that build empathy, confidence, and curiosity. Theatre has been shown to strengthen language skills, spark creative problem-solving, and encourage collaboration — tools that support a child’s growth in the classroom and beyond.
ABOUT OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Through our three education programs, Vermont Young Playwrights, Public Square Plays, and Suitcase Stage, we serve 3,500 students, grades K-12, across Vermont. Each season our residencies and tours visit schools in Chittenden County and regularly travel to rural communities in Addison, Franklin, Washington, and Rutland Counties, the Northeast Kingdom, and the Upper Valley, with occasional runs as far south as Brattleboro and north to Coventry. Our audiences include elementary students encountering live theatre for the first time, middle and high school students exploring complex historical and civic themes, and teen writers developing original work alongside professional artists. We prioritize schools facing transportation barriers and rural schools with limited access to arts programs and experiences. By traveling to these schools rather than asking schools to travel to us, we make our standards-aligned arts education programs accessible to children and teens who might not otherwise be able to participate.
Our newest education program, Suitcase Stage, brings the joy of theatre and imagination directly to Vermont elementary students. These traveling productions set up quickly in a cafetorium, library, gym, or theater and are designed to engage K–5 learners. Each performance ends with a fun meet-and-greet with our talented actors.
Suitcase Stage introduces kids to an exciting art form while sharing stories that build empathy, confidence, and curiosity. Theatre has been shown to strengthen language skills, spark creative problem-solving, and encourage collaboration — tools that support a child’s growth in the classroom and beyond.
ABOUT OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Through our three education programs, Vermont Young Playwrights, Public Square Plays, and Suitcase Stage, we serve 3,500 students, grades K-12, across Vermont. Each season our residencies and tours visit schools in Chittenden County and regularly travel to rural communities in Addison, Franklin, Washington, and Rutland Counties, the Northeast Kingdom, and the Upper Valley, with occasional runs as far south as Brattleboro and north to Coventry. Our audiences include elementary students encountering live theatre for the first time, middle and high school students exploring complex historical and civic themes, and teen writers developing original work alongside professional artists. We prioritize schools facing transportation barriers and rural schools with limited access to arts programs and experiences. By traveling to these schools rather than asking schools to travel to us, we make our standards-aligned arts education programs accessible to children and teens who might not otherwise be able to participate.
VIDEOS
CAST AND CREW
CAST
Brayden Crickenberger as Tim
Catherine Grace as Nina
Molly Kirschner as Anne
PRODUCTION TEAM
Assistant Stage Manager: Brayden Crickenberger
Lighting Designer: Jamien Forrest
Props Master: Lesley Graham
Costume Designer: Julia Guy
Stage Manager: Safiya Jamali
Sound Designer: Sadie Kraus
Brayden Crickenberger as Tim
Catherine Grace as Nina
Molly Kirschner as Anne
PRODUCTION TEAM
Assistant Stage Manager: Brayden Crickenberger
Lighting Designer: Jamien Forrest
Props Master: Lesley Graham
Costume Designer: Julia Guy
Stage Manager: Safiya Jamali
Sound Designer: Sadie Kraus
SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM
DONATE TO OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS
A gift to our Arts Education programs underwrites costs like actor fees, travel expenses, and school scholarships. Donations enable Suitcase Stage to ignite the imaginations of elementary school students, Public Square Plays to create a forum for teen discourse, and Vermont Young Playwrights to support the expression of burgeoning young writers. These programs cost around $100,000 each year and school fees only cover half of these costs.
A gift to our Arts Education programs underwrites costs like actor fees, travel expenses, and school scholarships. Donations enable Suitcase Stage to ignite the imaginations of elementary school students, Public Square Plays to create a forum for teen discourse, and Vermont Young Playwrights to support the expression of burgeoning young writers. These programs cost around $100,000 each year and school fees only cover half of these costs.
SPONSOR A SCHOOL
Vermont Stage's new Education Equity Fund is a scholarship fund that will go directly to subsidize the participation fees for Title 1 Schools and rural under-resourced schools that want to participate in our education programs but cannot afford to do so without extra help. Your tax-deductible donation allows us to say yes to these schools!
Vermont Stage's new Education Equity Fund is a scholarship fund that will go directly to subsidize the participation fees for Title 1 Schools and rural under-resourced schools that want to participate in our education programs but cannot afford to do so without extra help. Your tax-deductible donation allows us to say yes to these schools!
